BERNARDSTON — Courageous Strides, a therapeutic riding program, is searching for a new host farm and horses after leasing in Bernardston for six years.

The nonprofit has been providing equine-assisted activities to military veterans and individuals recovering from emotional and physical trauma at Stoney B Acres since 2019. But in January, Deb Gordon, president and instructor at Courageous Strides, was informed by Stoney B Acres owner Valerie Deane that she plans to downsize and therefore could no longer continue leasing her farm to the organization.

“After months of consideration, I have made the very difficult decision to end the host agreement between [Stoney B Acres and Courageous Strides],” Deane wrote in a letter to Gordon. “Please know that this was not an easy decision for me to make. I appreciate and value all that you have contributed with Courageous Strides as I have always been a strong believer in what the horse can do for the human.”

Deane explained that after sharing her farm with the public for five decades, she wishes to slow down and enjoy some quiet time with her animals, family and friends, embracing the farm’s “serenity.”

“I wish you and Courageous Strides the best of luck in the future,” her letter reads. “I have enjoyed the past six years hosting Courageous Strides and I am very proud of you for all that you have accomplished with your leadership in Courageous Strides.”

Gordon’s hope is to either keep Courageous Strides within Franklin County or move somewhere in Hampshire County. Although a new location hasn’t been secured yet, the program has a few options within those counties and a decision could be made by the nonprofit’s board within the next few weeks.

“As sad as it is, I do feel that we will find our home,” Gordon said. “We are extremely thankful and humbled that Stoney B has given Courageous Strides this opportunity.”

None of the horses at Stoney B Acres that have been part of Courageous Strides will continue in the program. Therefore, the move will involve using two or three horses at the farm of the board’s choosing. Gordon said the animals will be evaluated to make sure they have the “right demeanor” for the program so that students can connect with the horses on an emotional level while simultaneously learning basic horsemanship such as grooming, haltering and bridling.

Finding the right horses and host farm means that Courageous Strides will need to push the start of the therapeutic riding season from April to May or early June. The program will then run until October. Courageous Strides’ annual spaghetti supper has also been postponed.

“It didn’t feel right to me to try and have a fundraiser if we didn’t know where we were,” Gordon said. “We’re just putting it on hold for right now.”

Although no fundraisers are planned for Courageous Strides at the moment, the public can still make donations through the organization’s website at courageous-strides.org/giving.

All donations will go toward Courageous Strides’ scholarship fund, which awards 50% scholarships to students and full scholarships to veterans. This means that instead of paying $55 an hour to participate, an individual could pay roughly $27 an hour while veterans are able to ride for free.